Toddler (1–3 years) · Preschool (3–5 years) · School age (5–12 years) · Teen (12–18 years) · Young adult (18–21 years) · Asthma & allergies
Asthma in children: the action plan every family should have
An asthma action plan is a one-page, three-zone guide (green: well, yellow: flare, red: emergency) that tells you exactly which medicines to give and when to call. Every child with asthma should have one at home and at school, updated yearly.
Key takeaways
- Controller medicine every day, even when well, prevents flares
- Rescue inhaler with a spacer at the first sign of the yellow zone
- Needing the rescue inhaler more than twice a week means the plan needs adjusting
- Flu vaccine every year; avoid smoke, and manage allergies
- Update the plan and the school copy every year
What is in an asthma action plan?
Three zones based on symptoms (and peak flow for older children): green means take controller medicine as usual; yellow means symptoms have started, so add the rescue inhaler on a set schedule and call if not better in a day; red means severe symptoms and an emergency.
Controller vs rescue: what is the difference?
Controllers (inhaled steroids such as fluticasone or budesonide, sometimes with a long-acting bronchodilator) reduce airway inflammation and are taken daily. Rescue inhalers (albuterol) relax the airways within minutes and are for symptoms. Using both correctly is the whole game.
Inhaler technique
- Always use a spacer, with a mask under age 5
- Shake, one puff into the spacer, 4–6 slow breaths or one deep breath and a 10-second hold
- Wait 30–60 seconds between puffs
- Rinse the mouth after steroid inhalers
Triggers in North Georgia
Tree pollen from February, grass in late spring, ragweed in fall, plus mold, dust mites, smoke, cold air and viral colds. Check the Atlanta pollen count and treat allergies to reduce flares.
When to call us
- Rescue inhaler needed more than twice a week, or it is not lasting 4 hours
- Night cough more than twice a month
- A flare that is not improving after a day in the yellow zone
- Running out of medicine, or you are unsure how to use the inhaler
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if…
- Struggling to breathe, speak or walk; ribs pulling in with each breath
- Lips or nails blue or gray
- Rescue inhaler not helping within 15–20 minutes, or needed again within an hour
Questions parents ask
Will my child outgrow asthma?
Some children with mild, virus-triggered wheezing do stop wheezing by school age. Allergic asthma more often persists but can be very well controlled. Either way, good control now protects lung growth.
Not sure? Ask us
Call or text the office during hours, or send a portal message. For emergencies call 911.
(770) 615-7000Trusted further reading
- Atlanta pollen count (opens in new tab)Atlanta Allergy & Asthma